Corresponding author, email: sohaibmosal@gmail.com (Sohaib Hassan).

Journal of Research in Weed Science Volume 3 Issue 1 (2020), pp 57-70

Journal of Research in Weed Science

Journal homepage: www.jrweedsci.com

Review Article

Positive aspects of weeds as herbal remedies and medicinal

plants

Sohaib Hassan

Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan.

A R T I C L E I N F O R M A T I O N

A B S T R A C T

Received: 11 June 2019

Revised: 9 July 2019

Accepted: 17 July 2019

Available online: 18 July 2019

DOI: 10.26655/JRWEEDSCI.2020.1.6

The weeds are well accepted source of herbal medicines. However, these plants should be managed and removed from agro ecosystems due to their negative impacts on agricultural production systems. However, it is matter of interest that some of well-known weeds are source of drugs and traditional medicine. The weeds have certain biological phytochemicals viz. alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenes, and saponins etc. which are used to treat health disorders. The demand and importance of natural occurring herbal drugs is rising globally. This is due to their social contentment, easy accessibility, cheapness, effectiveness and no side effect claims. The use of herbs and weeds is based on empirical treatment and experiences from many generations with info accessible solely in native magazines. These medicines possess numerous biologically active ingredients associated with health disorders. Thus their potential has not been fully explored. There is need to improve the quality and analysis of herbal products to be fabricated with research advancements in their efficacy. This review identifies bioactive or phytochemicals present in different plant parts of weeds and ways to extract them are discussed. In addition, the medicinal beneficial aspects of weed species, their medicinal utility and major concerning issues are also highlighted.

KEYWORDS

Drugs

Herbs

Traditional Medicine

Weeds

Introduction

The word “drug” came from a French word “Drogue” which literally stands for ‘dried plant’. It is

estimated that at least 35000 wild species are known to have medicinal value are being practice in

developing countries (Jack, 2012). The World Health Organization has admitted that 80%

population in developing countries is dependent upon the traditional plants for health care. The call

for traditional herbal medicine is growing in the whole world due to their safety and having no side

effects, affordable and accessible to all (WHO, 2002).

Positive aspects of weeds as herbal remedies … 58

Historical perspective

The use of medicinal plants dated back to 60000 years as documented by ancient Babylon. In

Egyptian regions, the use of traditional medicine was reported about 5000 years ago. The medicinal

utility of herbs in Asia and Greece reported back 2500 years (Qazi and Molvi, 2016). In India the

Ayurvedic health care system was found for over approximately 5000 years ago (Goyal et al. 2012).

The use of traditional medicines in Japan (Kampo) dates back over 1500 years (Watanabe et al.

2011).

Importance of weeds as herbs

The herbal medicine is a practice which involves the herbal material, herbs a whole, their products or

their combination to cure the human health related disorders. These herbs are acquired from all plant

parts i.e., leaves, shoots, floral parts, roots, and seeds (WHO, 2000). All plants manufacture some

chemicals having medical utility through their metabolic pathways. Many plants accomplish some

chemicals called bioactive or phytochemicals through their metabolic pathways having medical

acceptance. These chemicals are broadly classified into two major classes, primary metabolites (e.g.,

polysaccharides and fatty contents) and secondary or accessory metabolites which are not prerequisite

for primary metabolic events in a smaller group of plants, however some are useful for life sustaining

metabolism found only in peculiar species (Bent, 2008). The functions of accessory metabolites are

varied. For example, some secondary or accessory metabolites are toxins acclimated to avert predation,

and others are pheromones acclimated to allure insects for pollination. As most of the pigments absorb

solar energy, so they protect the organisms from radiation and also their attractive colors help in

pollination. Antimicrobial plus antioxidative chemicals called Phyto-alexins produced by plants provide

protection from microbial attacks. Allelochemicals retards the growth of competitive natural rivals (Jack,

2012).

Phytochemicals of weeds used in medicines

The chemical analysis of individual weed may vary over a specific period of time as it face

different and dynamic environmental conditions. Weeds can manufacture a wide array of

phytochemicals but most of them are derived from a few bioactive metabolites that may have

remedial actions in our body (Jack, 2012). These secondary metabolic ingredients assure safety to

plants from damages and disorders and contribute to the plants aroma, flavor and color. They are

accepted as phytochemicals which cover several classes such as saponins, flavonoids, glycosides,

tannins, alkaloids and terpenoids (Saxena et al. 2013). A brief introduction of weeds

phytochemicals is given below.

Hassan. 59

Alkaloids

They are composed of ring of organic nitrogenous bases. They usually show yellow color but

sometimes does not show any color and bitter in taste. They can affect central nervous system

dramatically. They are known for their antimicrobial, anticancer as well as anti-inflammatory

characteristics (Kauri and Arora, 2015). Alkaloids may be hazardous e.g. alkaliods in Datura

stramonium results in severe intoxication and may lead to death (Jack, 2012).

Polyphenols

They are also called phenolics having phenol rings. They are helpful in treating the gut diseases,

diabetes and cardiovascular issues. Anthocyanin from grapes, Isoflavones and phyto estrogen from

soy are phenolic compounds (Jack, 2012). The aqueous extracts of Euphorbia hirta and Trianthema

portulacastrum weeds show antioxidant and antibacterial charateristics (Rattanata et al. 2014).

Terpenoids

Terpenes polymerises into terpenoids, each unit compromised of two paired isoprenes. They are

named after the number of units in chain e.g. monoterpenes, diterpenes or triterpenes etc. The

beautiful fragrance of Rosa indica and Lavandula is due the presence of terpenes. The different

colors in some fruits and vegetables are due to carotenoids which is good example of terpenoids

(Jack, 2012). They are used against microbial attack and to cure inflammation. They are well known

treatment for improving skin permeation (Brahmkshatriya and Brahmkshatriya, 2013).

Saponin

They are glucosidics with soap foam characteristics. Saponins are composed of polycyclic

alycones with one or more sugar branched chains. Sapogenin or aglycon is tripenes (steroids). They

are antimicrobial and antioxidant in nature. They are bitter in taste. Some of them are toxic and

called sapotoxin (Guclu-Ustundag and Mazza, 2007). Saponins are reported in the extracts of

Lantana camara and Solanum xanthocarpum weeds which are used traditionally as antipyretic,

anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and lotion for wounds (Kumar and Pandey, 2014).

Tannins/ tannic acid

They are composed of water soluble polyphonolic compounds. They commonly have known as

tannic acid which is derived originally from the use of tannins in tanning the hide of animals in

tanneries. Their traditional uses include as anti-carcinogens and antimicrobial agents (Chung et al.

1998; Saxena et al. 2013).

Positive aspects of weeds as herbal remedies … 60

Flavonoids

They are diversified group of polyphenols considered as eminent component of pharmaceutical

and cosmetics products. They are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic in nature along

with their capacity to modulate the functions of intracellular and extracellular enzymes (Panche et

al., 2016).

Cardiac glycosides

They are formed by a glycosidic linkage between a sugar and other atoms (e.g. oxygen, nitrogen

and sulphur etc.). Digitalis is one of the most familiar cardiac glycoside obtained from the juice of

Digitalis purpurea (foxglove) leaves. They are used as a traditional medicine in case of arrhythmia

and cardiac congestion (Jane and David, 2016).

Collection and cleaning of medicinal weeds

The early or late collection of herbal plants may result inferior quality of drugs. The time when

plant has maximum amount of bioactive phytochemicals is considered ideal for herb collection

(Hamayun et al. 2006). After the collection the whole drug or plant parts should be cleaned

thoroughly to remove all kind of foreign particles. Roots should be washed but leaves and other

parts such as flowers and seeds should never be washed (Henkel, 1904).

Drying of medicinal weeds

A brighter color of sample is strongly desirable that could be achieved by drying under shade.

Their quality degraded if they are not dried properly. The humidity in air may also deteriorate

quality and may favor fungal attack (Hamayun et al. 2006).

Packing and storage of medicinal weeds

The dried herbs are then packed in polythene bags or jute sacks properly. The drug quality may

reduce if packed and stored in poor conditions. Environmental factors (humidity, temperature and

light) may have adverse effect on drug value. Additionally poor storage may also result insect

attack, ultimately reduce the quantity as well as quality (Hamayun et al., 2006).

Collection of different parts of weeds

Roots

Plant roots collected during growing season may have lower profile of phytochemicals.

Therefore time of collection is important. The roots in annual plants are collected just prior to

Hassan. 61

flowering stage and in biennial/ perennial plants after the upper parts have dried. After collection

roots are washed and dried under shade. Sometimes roots are sliced for better drying (Henkel,

1904).

Leaves and herbs

Leaves are collected when the flowering stage appears. A bright green color is desirable which is

obtained if leaves are dried carefully under shade. All leaves, small tender stems and flowers are

collected In case of herb collection. However, large and hard stems are not desirable. The

precautionary measures and curing steps are same as in root (Henkel, 1904).

Flowers

The best and ideal time of collection is when they are opened and color is yet not faded. They

curing include drying them under shade in the same manner as root and leaves (Henkel, 1904).

Seeds

They are collected when fully matured or just before grain pod opens. After collection

winnowing should be done to remove the impurities and undesirable plant parts (Henkel, 1904).

Tests for common phtochemicals in weeds

Preparation of ethanolic extract

The oven dried plant material is ground into fine powder, and weighed material of 100g is taken

into soxhlet apparatus and submerged in 600 ml ethanol (C2H5OH) separately in sealed bottles and

kept for duration of one week. Then extract is filtered through whatman’s no.1 filter paper. The

extract then stored in properly closed jars and placed in refrigerator. A extract of desired

concentration could easily be made from this stock solution (Sofowara, 1993).

Mayer’s test for alkaloids

The extract is evaporated and the residues are heated with hydrochloric acid (2%) solution in

waterbath. After cooling and filtration a few drops of Mayer’s reagent are added. When yellow color

appears, it confirms alkaloids (Siddiqui and Ali, 1997).

Alkaline reagent test for flavonoids

Positive aspects of weeds as herbal remedies … 62

A few drops of sodium hydroxide are added in known quantity (1 ml) of plant extract. The

yellow shade appears which disappears when few drops of diluted hydrochloric acid (HCl) are

added, which confirms the existence of flavonoids (Roopashree et al., 2008).

Test for terpenoid

A known quantity (4 ml) of ethanolic extract is treated with 0.5 ml of acetic anhydride (C4H6O3)

and 0.5 mL of chloroform (CHCl3). Then a few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid (H2SO4) were

added. Violet color confirms the existence of terpenoids (Barboza et al. 2009).

Test for polyphenoles

A known quantity (5 ml) is dissolved in 20 ml distilled water then few drops of one % lead

acetate [Pb(C2H3O2)2] are added. The presence of phenol is confirmed when white precipitates are

formed (Singh and Bag, 2013).

Test for saponins

A known quantity (50 ml) of phenolic extract is diluted with twenty mL distilled water and

agitated in measuring cylinder for fifteen minutes. The existence of saponins are confirmed by the

formation of one cm foamy layer (Roopashree et al., 2008).

Keller Killiani test for cardiac glycoside

One m1 extract is dissolved in one ml of anhydrous acetic acid and then allowed to cool. Then

add few drops of ferric chloride solution and finally two ml of concentrated sulphuric acid is added

in this solution. A reddish brown ring is appeared which indicates the presence of glycosides (Singh

and Bag, 2013).

Test for tannins

First of all take half ml herbal extract, add one ml distilled water and few drops of ferric chloride

solution. Then observe blue green coloration for catechic tannins and blue black coloration for

gallic tannins confirms their presence in extract (Iyengar, 1995).

Common cropland weeds with their medicinal importance

Weeds usually considered harmful for croplands and farmers spends a huge income to eradicate

them but they are not aware about their traditional and medicinal importance. Some of famous

weeds in Punjab Pakistan and their therapeutic and remedial uses are given in table 1.

Hassan. 63

Table 1. Therapeutic and traditional uses of some common weeds of croplands in Punjab Pakistan

Botanical Name Local Name

Plant Parts Used

Therapeutic and Traditional Uses Reference

Cannabis sativa Bhang leaf, fruit and seed

abating of abdomen issues, gonorrhoea, and as a nerve stimulant

Sahu, 1984

Cyprus rotundus Dheela ghaas

leaves dysentery, Gut disorders and epilepsy Qureshi et al., 2010; Panda et al., 2014

Lantana camara Lantana leaves Wounds healing Sahu, 1984

Solanum nigrum Mako leaf, fruit and seed

Inflammation of kidney, bladder, scrotum and testicles; heart diseases, cough and

toothache.

Sahu, 1984 Panda et al.,

2014

Parthenium hysterophorus

Gajar booti leaf, fruit and seed

dysentery and malaria Panda et al.,

2014

Portulaca oleracea

Kulfa whole plant diabetic plus swollen and bleeding gums Panda et al.,

2014

Amaranthus viridis

Jangli cholai

whole plant dysentery and inflammation Panda et al.,

2014

Chenopodium album

Bathu leaves vitiligo , itching and pain killer Panda et al.,

2014; Qureshi, et al., 2010

Mimosa pudica Chui mui leaves and

stem used to relieve toothache, treatment of

snake biting Panda et al.,

2014

Cynodon dactylon

Khabal ghaas

leaves anterior nosebleeds Panda et al.,

2014

Datura stramonium

datura leaves asthma Panda et al.,

2014

Euphorbia heliscopia

Chatri dohdhk

stem expel the placenta from the womb Gueye, 2002

Anagallis Arvensis

Billi boti whole plant skin rashing and infected wounds Kumar et al,

2013 ; Jabeen et al., 2009

Cichorium intybus

Kasni leaves and

seeds liver tonic, cardiotonic, diuretic jaundice

and asthma

Sala, 1994; Jabeen et al.,

2009

Melilots indica Zaed sangi

leaves and flowers

external warts, woundsa and ocular infections

Shinwari and Khan, 2000; Jabeen et al.,

Positive aspects of weeds as herbal remedies … 64

Botanical Name Local Name

Plant Parts Used

Therapeutic and Traditional Uses Reference

2009

Coronopus didymus

Jangli halon

whole plant allergy, fever, low blood glucose level and

prevent liver damages Busnardo, et al., 2010

Convolvulus arvensis

Lehli roots Source of vit. K , blood coagualtion characteristics, cure bleeding piles

Qureshi et al., 2010

Carthamus Oxycantha

Pohli leaf, fruit and seed

prevent lipid accumulation, diabetes, kidney stone and liver damages

Bakhsh et al., 2007; Jabeen

et al., 2009

Avena fatua Jangli jai seeds serve as nerve stimulant and stimulate

bowel movement Islam et al.,

2006

Rumex Dentatus

Jangli palak

leaves and stem

small pox, pneumonia and cough Hussain et al.,

2006

Vicia sativa Rivari leaves anti-septic properties. Jabeen et al.,

2009

Galium aparine

Wari booti leaves diuretic, skin toner, prevent tumor and

inflammation Gulshan et al.,

2012

Melilotus alba Senji Whole plant eye toner, reduce rheumatic swollen joints

pain

Gulshan et al., 2012

Medicago denticulata

maina seeds anemia, Haemorrhage

Gulshan et al.,

2012

Boerhaavia Coccinea

Itsit Whole plant Diuratic, laxative and

antidote to rat-poisoning

Gulshan et al., 2012

Rumex obustifolius

Jangli palak

Roots, leaves rejuvinate the liver and gallblader,

jaundice and anemia Gulshan et al.,

2012

Tribulus terrestris

Bakhra Root, seed,

leave gonorrhea, coughs and scabies, stomachic

and appetizer Gulshan et al.,

2012

Why People Use Herbal/ Traditional Medicine?

Accessible and affordable

Hassan. 65

The evidences for use of herbal drugs in various societies is ample, these traditional health care

systems have been used in nursing numerous ailments even without the proper awareness of their

ingredients and precise role (Patel et al. 2012). The inflated use of traditional medicine is attributed to

their wide social and cultural acceptance, as alternative remedial approaches have been about for

centuries (Wassie et al. 2015). In addition, these herbal remedies are also affordable to all population in

comparison to costly allopathic medicine (Maroyi, 2013). In highly populated regions, the rural citizenry

has about no approach to advanced health care systems; therefore, they are accountable to use of herbal

medicines for their basal healthcare needs (Pandey et al. 2013).

Traditional and alternative healthcare system

Herbal weeds are concluded to be more healthful in comparison to accepted bio-synthetic

pharmaceutical drugs. The health hazard effects of conventional or synthetic drugs have been

reported several times in comparison to toxic level of traditional drug (Pal and Shukla, 2003). Some

other reasons for accepting traditional medicinal healthcare system include;

(i) Assurance of less toxicity and have more efficacy (Calixto, 2000)

(ii) Improved quality due to the innovative and applied research in herbal medicine (Qazi and

Molvi, 2016)

(iii) to abate symptoms of chronic ailments (Barnes and Bloom, 2007)

It has been reported that the overall 51.7% population depends upon traditional sources of

medication while 48.3% people prefer synthetic medicinal facilities. It highlights the increasing

trends in adopting herbal medicine in Pakistan (Shaikh et al., 2009).

Challenges to the use of medicines prepared from weeds and/or herbs

Safety claims and toxicological concerns

The use of herbal medicines is mostly considered safe but their misuse could have side effects too as

they have toxic ingredients (George, 2011). In some countries the appraisal of toxicity of herbal drug

and their derived products is not taken into consideration before marketing. In addition, these countries

working technological facilities to maintain high standards and quality, thus there are chances of toxic

components present in drug for consumption (Ekor, 2014). It has been reported that pyrrolizidine

alkaloids may be fatal because they cause veno-occlusive disease (Bent, 2008). Some herbs such as

Ephedra sinica and Echinacea sp. can cause vomiting and nausea while herbs taken as tea can cause

gastrointestinal troubles and diarrhea (Cui et al., 2016). A study on 260 Asian traditional medicines has

indicated that the products derived from weed and/or herbs have high levels of heavy metals plus

undesired constituents (Rana and Rana, 2014).

Positive aspects of weeds as herbal remedies … 66

Quality control concerns

The formulation as well as quality is considered vital for the acceptance of herbal medicine in

modern ages. The quality of available drugs in the market is serious threat to the popularity and global

acceptance of these medicines (Verma and Singh, 2008). Environmental factors, nutrients, time and

method of harvesting, collection and curing methods as well as transportation can also affect the quality

of drug being prepared. Some chemicals in herbs are temperature sensitive and readily decomposed so

they should be dried at relatively lower temperature (Calixto, 2000).

Insufficient research framework

In many countries herbal medication is aimed to maintain, support and promote health.

However, the concern about safety, quality and efficacy is increasing. However at present only few

institutes are conducting research in the field of herbal medicines, so little advancement in this field

(Gilani and Atta-ur-Rahman, 2005).

Need for scientific and clinical evaluation

In order to alleviate quality and safety concerns the researchers, manufacturing companies and

drug regulatory authorities must include scientific and clinical evaluation methods to achieve the

public confidence (Rana and Rana, 2014). Toxicity assessment can reveal the risks associated to the

use of herbal medicines (Ifeoma and Oluwakanyinsola, 2013).The evaluation involves quality,

safety, efficacy, and stability assessment (Kamboj, 2005).

Conclusion

Weeds are generally considered as those plants which interfere with crops so these are usually

neglected by community but they also have therapeutic uses. The present study will be able to introduce

these folk medicines to the public which are derived from weeds, ultimately reducing the dependency on

costly biosynthetic medicines. The abundance of secondary metabolites e.g. alkaloids, saponins, phenols

and tannins etc. in the weeds have curative and healing effects. It has disclosed a new hope for the

development of novel and innovatively advanced agents from weeds which could replace synthetic

improved medicinal agents. However, there is need of more research in this regard so as to explore the

potential of weed flora in croplands.

Conflicts of Interest

No conflicts of interest have been declared.

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